Abstract: A contractile tissue-based analysis device is provided, in which a strip of contractile tissue is supported by support structure. The support structure comprises a substantially planar base element, and first and second support pillars extending from said base element. An optical detection device is arranged on the side of the base element opposite to said support pillars, and is arranged to capture image data from at least one of the head portions of the support pillars. The motion of the support pillars induced by the strip of contractile tissue can thus be captured from below, i.e. through the planar base element.

Abstract: A single-step method for applying a coating to a polymeric substrate comprising: exposing a photoreactive compound and a polymeric compound in an aqueous solvent to ultraviolet radiation in the presence of the polymeric substrate to obtain a covalently bound coating thereon comprising a reaction product of the photoreactive compound and the polymeric compound. More particularly, a method of applying a coating to a polymeric substrate in order to reduce the adsorption of analytes in solution to the substrate by imparting properties to the substrate similar to the properties of the coating applied.

Abstract: The invention describes a foil of polymeric material comprising a plurality of patch portions and a grid portion arranged between said patches. Each patch portion is connected to the grid portion by means of one or more connecting elements. Each patch portion is separated from the grid portion in the X-Y plane by means of a release portion, said release portion having a tensile strength in the X-Y plane which is lower than the tensile strength of both said patch portions and said grid portion, such that—upon exertion of a tensile force between said patch portions and said grid portion—said foil ruptures preferentially at said release portion. The invention relates to a method for the production of cell-capture chips using said foil, and a cell capture chip produced by said method.

Abstract: The invention provides a chip for use in a microfluidic analysis system, for example a patch-clamp system, said chip having improved cell adhesion through a predetermined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. A method for manufacture of the chips, and a method for improving the adhesion of a cell to a chip are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a chip for use in a microfluidic analysis system, for example a patch-clamp system, said chip having improved cell adhesion through a predetermined pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. A method for manufacture of the chips, and a method for improving the adhesion of a cell to a chip are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidics system comprising a channel having an inlet (32) and an outlet (38); a first membrane (31) positioned between the inlet (32) and outlet (38) and comprising an aperture having a radius within the range 0.1 to 50 ?m, the inlet (32) and the outlet (38) being in hydraulic communication with one another, such that a fluid can move along the channel from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A centrifugal device comprising: a rotor having a rotor shaft having a longitudinal rotor axis; a holder having an access end, and a holder axis; a location mechanism for locating the holder within the centrifugal device, such that the holder is rotatable about the rotor axis, with the holder axis forming a non-zero angle with the rotor shaft axis, the location mechanism accurately locating the access end of the holder within the centrifugal device, wherein the location mechanism comprises a holding pin having an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the rotor axis, the holding pin being rotatable about the rotor axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially planar substrate for use in patch clamp analysis of the electrophysiological properties of a cell membrane comprising a glycocalyx, wherein the substrate comprises an aperture having a rim, the rim being adapted to form a gigaseal upon contact with the cell membrane, The invention further provides a method of making such a substrate and method for analysing the electrophysiological properties of a cell membrane comprising a glycocalyx.

Abstract: A microfluidics system comprising a channel having an inlet (32) and an outlet (38); a first membrane (31) positioned between the inlet (32) and outlet (38) and comprising an aperture having a radius within the range 0.1 to 50 ?m, the inlet (32) and the outlet (38) being in hydraulic communication with one another, such that a fluid can move along the channel from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump for generating an Electroosmotic Flow (EOF) in a solution in a canal, guide, pipe or equivalent. Electroosmotic flow is generated by application of an electric field through a solution in a canal defined by insulating walls. The phenomenon depends on ionisation of sites on the surface so that for electroneutrality there is an excess mobile charge in the solution. The electric field acts on the excess charge in the solution causing the fluid to flow. The quantity and distribution of excess charge in the solution depends on the solution and the surface materials and is related to a parameter, the zeta (z) potential characterising material/solution combinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially planar substrate for use in patch clamp analysis of the electrophysiological properties of a cell membrane comprising a glycocalyx, wherein the substrate comprises an aperture having a rim, the rim being adapted to form a gigaseal upon contact with the cell membrane. The invention further provides a method of making such a substrate and method for analysing the electrophysiological properties of a cell membrane comprising a glycocalyx.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high through-put system for determining and/or monitoring electrophysiological properties of ion channels of ion channel-containing membranes, typically lipid membrane-containing structures such as cells. In particular, the invention provides a substrate which provides means for automatically positioning cells at measuring sites using electroosmotic flow in canals formed on or in the substrate. The electroosmotic flow is generated and controlled by electroosmotic flow pumps integrated on the substrate or positioned in relation thereto. Thereby, cells can be positioned in favorable measurement configuration at a plurality of sites for performing testing and measurements. Also, the invention relates to a main electric circuit for performing testing and measurements on a plurality of cells in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate and a method for obtaining an electrophysiological measuring configuration in which a cell forms a high resistive seal (giga-seal) around a measuring electrode making it suitable for determining and monitoring a current flow through the cell membrane. The substrate is typically part of an apparatus for studying electrical events in cell membranes, such as an apparatus for carrying out patch clamp techniques utilised to study ion transfer channels in biological membranes. The substrate has a plurality or an array of measuring sites with integrated measuring and reference electrodes formed by wafer processing technology. The electrodes are adapted to conduct a current between them by delivery of ions by one electrode and receipt of ions by the other electrode and are typically silver/silver halide electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate and a method for obtaining an electrophysiological measuring configuration in which a cell forms a high resistive seal (giga-seal) around a measuring electrode making it suitable for determining and monitoring a current flow through the cell membrane. The substrate is typically part of an apparatus for studying electrical events in cell membranes, such as an apparatus for carrying out patch clamp techniques utilised to study ion transfer channels in biological membranes. The substrate has a plurality or an array of measuring sites with integrated measuring and reference electrodes formed by wafer processing technology. The electrodes are adapted to conduct a current between them by delivery of ions by one electrode and receipt of ions by the other electrode and are typically silver/silver halide electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic electrode position apparatus for connecting an electrode to a cell. The invention further provides methods for utilizing the apparatus of the invention. Apparatus and methods are described for studying electrical activities in cell membranes. These methods are especially useful in large scale screening programs in the pharmaceutical industry.